The Lord s Prayer. A DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE for FAMILIES

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1 The Lord s Prayer A DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE for FAMILIES

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3 The Lord s Prayer A DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE for FAMILIES

4 The Lord s Prayer Copyright 2015 Andrew Keasling All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write or contact using the information below. SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Student Ministry 4055 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN (901) PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

5 How to Use This Book The book you now have in your hands has been a labor of love. It began with a realization that no matter how excellent and effective our teaching may be, it cannot compete with the influence of you as parents. God has called you specifically and gifted you uniquely to lead your kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Plainly said, you are the greatest spiritual influence in the lives of your kids. To some of you that is a very intimidating and overwhelming thought (I know I feel that way). Therefore, we as the church want to help encourage and equip you in your role as the primary discipler of your children, and that is why this book exists. Our goal is to set you up in the best way that we can to have spiritual conversations as a family. Our hope is that you will have opportunities on Sundays, perhaps at lunch after Sunday school, as well as a couple of times a week with the Family Devotionals provided, to talk about God and His importance in our everyday lives. To help accomplish this, we have standardized the Sunday school curriculum so that everyone from JK-12th grade will be learning the same things each week (age appropriately, of course). This allows you as parents to know exactly what all of your kids are learning without having to keep track of multiple s or schedules. Below you will find exactly what is included and how best to use it. OUTLINE We provide you with the main points that your students will be learning each week. We do this so you can be best prepared to discuss what they learned and answer any questions that might come up. We also have included a lengthy section of context for each lesson. We believe it is important for all of us to see how each story in the Bible does not stand alone, but instead fits into the larger drama that God has unfolded. FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS The point of these questions is to be conversation starters for you as a family. They are not exhaustive as to the content of what your children have learned that Sunday, but should just get things started for your family. Our hope is that your children will come to expect a conversation about what they learned in Sunday school for two main reasons. First, we want them to see spiritual conversations as a normal and important part of life and second, we hope this expectation will make them more attentive to what they are learning. FAMILY DEVOS We have provided two days worth of Family Devotionals for you to do as a family at home. We chose this number so as to not overwhelm families or discourage them for not being able to live up to expectations. Our hope is that the two provided will be a springboard for even more times of family worship during the week. The two we have included will help build a foundation for the Bible character that they will study on Sunday. You will also see a page on How to Do Family Devotions which is there only as a resource for you and not a concrete model that must be followed. In the end, the most important thing is for families to spend time together focused on God s Word and prayer; how that is accomplished is secondary. Andrew Keasling

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7 How To Do Family Devotions When discussing family devotions, the first thing you must know is that there is not just one correct way to do them. Each family is made up of distinct individuals, each with a different personality. Therefore, trying to create a one-size-fits-all approach to family devotions is foolish. Below are some helpful hints and guidelines as you lead your devotions. Some of them will be very helpful, while some you will realize do not work for your family. In the end, the point is for you as a family to take time together, reading God s Word and praying together. However you accomplish this is truly a secondary concern. PLACE MATTERS It will be important to find a consistent place where you always do family devotions. Changing the location can drastically change the dynamics. Everyone should be at the same eye level. You don t want some on the floor and some in chairs or on the couch. This will encourage participation by all members because they will feel as if they are a part of the group. Minimize the distractions. Honestly, doing family devotions is hard enough! Only you know what might distract your kids so be sure you eliminate as many interruptions as possible. PRAYER MATTERS It is important for your children to see the importance of prayer. Therefore, be sure that you pray to begin and end your time together. Often it works best to choose one family member to open the time in prayer (which also helps settle busy hearts). At the end is an opportunity to let everyone pray. Give your children a role in prayer. One of the things that my family does that has been successful is that we have four prayer categories: 1- Zachary s class, 2- Bryson s Class, 3- Our extended family and friends, and 4- Missions. Each time we give someone in the house one of these prayer categories. To minimize the I want of our children, we rotate who assigns who to prayer. That way, everyone gets a chance to decide who prays for what. It has saved a lot of disagreements. For our missions category, we alternate between a Mission Memphis partner and a World Missions partner and it has been such a blessing to watch and hear our kids pick up on and pray for those ministries. We also switch it up some nights and just have a time of confession or adoration or thanksgiving so they don t think of God as just someone from whom you ask things. THE WORD MATTERS God s Word is the only thing He promises will bear fruit. It is so important to not only expose them to God s Word but also to teach them how to think about it. One of the best ways to start doing this is to continually remind them that these stories are REAL Isaiah 55:11.

8 HOW TO DO FAMILY DEVOTIONS Get them to interact with the Bible for themselves. It is a huge temptation to just provide the answers for them (since we know everything) but they will get so much more out of it if they think about it for themselves. The hardest part for me in this is that I lose the control. I have to constantly remind myself that I want them to get something out of God s Word and not get frustrated when they don t get out what I want them to. Encourage every little step. It will be very important to encourage every interaction they have with God s Word. They will be more willing to share when they know it is a safe place for them to come with their thoughts. At times, that will mean you are going to go down some rabbit trails, but it will be worth the journey. As a part of that, you need to make sure that they get the truth; this means gently correcting when their theology gets out of whack. TIME MATTERS One of the most important things you are teaching your children is that being together is very important. Just the simple act of carving out time every week that does not involve the TV or a meal out will bear fruit. The intentional act of studying the Word and prayer together will bear fruit even if it is down the line. Have fun! I know it sounds silly but if your kids have fun doing family devotions, they will want to keep doing them. For us, that is a short game or a role playing moment at the beginning but for you, it can be whatever. Sometimes I think we are afraid that we will be irreverent when we attempt to have fun, but we must remember that God created fun and laughter, so participating in those activities pleases Him. Andrew Keasling

9 D6 Driving Values At Second, we believe in three guiding principles, known as the D6 Driving Values. We hope that as you and your family go through these devotions together, you will be further encouraged in your relationship with the Lord, your church community, and in your Kingdom mission. The Lord is my primary devotion. Confronted by the holiness of Christ, I seek Him in daily worship, prayer, and repentance. Isaiah 6:1-8 Compelled by the love of Christ, I strive to be obedient to Him in my thoughts, words, and deeds. II Corinthians 5:14 Created new in Christ, my identity is no longer in the things of this world. II Corinthians 5:17 Confident of the eternity secured for me in Christ, I have peace in the midst of the troubles of this life. Phillipians 4:6-7 The Church is my primary community. Knowing that the Gospel liberates me from idols, I cannot imagine not joyfully worshipping God every week with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thesselonians 1:9b Knowing that the Church is called to be a holy nation, set apart from the things of the world, I will embrace this calling by seeking to be Christ-like in all aspects of my life. I Peter 2:9-12 Knowing that I am a steward of my resources and not an owner, I cheerfully release my resources to build His Kingdom and not my own. Matthew 25:14-30 Knowing that the Body of Christ is essential to my sanctification, I actively seek relationship and accountability within the church in order to grow in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16 Knowing that God has given me spiritual gifts to use in the church, I willingly serve. I Corinthians 12:4-7 Knowing that Jesus is present where two or more are gathered in His name, I happily pray with and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Matthew 18:20 Building Christ s Kingdom is my primary mission. Belonging to Christ s Kingdom causes us to live as a distinct people who are called to be about applying Christ s work of redemption as far as the curse is found as we eagerly await His imminent return and the renewal of all things. Romans 8:19-21 Building Christ s Kingdom in all of life is an act of worship, and the reason I am alive is to multiply worshippers and redeem culture. II Corinthians 5:16-21 Building Christ s Kingdom begins in multiplying worshippers of Christ in my own household. Joshua 24:15 Building Christ s Kingdom is the lens through which I filter every decision as I further the work of redemption. Romans 12:1-2 Building Christ s Kingdom prioritizes Christ s work of redemption to the extent of intentionally sacrificing our time, money, and talents in furthering the application of the redemption of Christ. I Corinthians 10:31-33

10 TEACHING SCHEDULE Week Title Focus 1 (May 24-30) Intro Answering the question what is prayer? 2 (May 31-June 6) Our Father The importance of seeing God as personal to us 3 (June 7-13) In Heaven The importance of seeing God as not only personal but powerful 4 (June 14-20) Hallowed Be Your Name We are to show respect for and worship God s Name in prayer 5 (June 21-27) Your Kingdom Come The importance that God places on us understanding His Kingdom 6 (June 28-July 4) Your Will Be Done The importance of putting God in His rightful place in our prayers 7 (July 5-11) 8 (July 12-18) 9 (July 19-25) Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Have Forgiven Our Debtors And Lead Us Not Into Temptation Focusing our prayers on our needs instead of wants and trusting God s daily provision Realizing that we are sinners who need forgiveness from God, and are also called to forgive others Trusting that Jesus understands our temptations and wants us to stand up under them 10 (July 26-August 1) Deliver Us from Evil We have an enemy and need God s help and can ask for God s protection 11 (August 2-8) Kingdom, Power, and Glory Remembering that God s Kingdom, power, and glory are all-powerful and unending 12 (August 9-15) Amen The importance of ending our prayers with faith

11 Lord, Teach Us to Pray... Luke records for us a simple moment and request between Jesus and one of His disciples. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed and this seems to be just such an occasion. Jesus had just returned from spending time in prayer when approached by His disciple. It was not at all uncommon for the disciples to make requests of Jesus, from asking for the meaning of a parable to even asking for the places of honor beside Jesus in glory. This was not like those requests. It was the humble desire of a disciple to learn from the master. Jesus had already taught them so much about himself and about the kingdom and now he wanted to know how to talk with God, so he simply asks Jesus. Prayer was not a foreign concept to the Jews; they were people of prayer. Their history was filled with their people crying out to the Lord and with Him answering them. They were not afraid to use prayers of lament just as often as they prayed in celebration and thanksgiving. The Jews would often use the prayers of their former leaders as a way to have access to God in hopes that prayers that were effective once would be again. They would pray with great confidence that God heard them (Psalm 145:18, 107:6, 91:15). Therefore, this disciple does not ask Jesus to teach him because he is unaware of what prayer is or how it is done. Rather, the disciple knew the truth: if I can be guided in prayer by those who came before me and learn from those who have experienced God closely, then how much more can I learn from Jesus the great teacher? If knowing and repeating the prayers of a man after God s own heart is effective in understanding prayer, how much more instructive would the prayers of God s Son be! So he asks in hopes of truly understanding how to closely communicate with the God of all creation. Another important element of the disciple s request was its scope. He did not ask just for himself to learn the ways of prayer but asked for them all teach US to pray. He rightly understood that prayer not only benefits the souls of an individual but is also unifying for the entire community of believers. We get to see and experience this picture every Sunday morning as the entire congregation, both young and old alike, recite the Lord s Prayer in unison. These simple words unite us together and remind us that we are part of a farreaching legacy of people who have been saved by Jesus and desire to live for Him. We say the same prayer that Peter did and Paul did and Augustine did and Martin Luther did and John Calvin did and Mother Teresa did and Billy Graham does. Just let that truth soak in for a minute. Therefore, just like that disciple, we are asking Jesus to teach us to pray. We will be studying the prayer Jesus gave to His disciples in its fullest form from the Beatitudes found in Matthew 6. We know that Jesus doesn t waste words, so we want to understand exactly why He chose the words He did and what they mean for us today. Although we all are familiar with prayer, we want to spend this summer sitting at the feet of the Master and truly understanding the importance of prayer. We too simply say, Lord, teach us to pray. Andrew Keasling

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13 1 Introduction Matthew 6:5-13 Answering the question what is prayer?

14 SUNDAY TEACHING Introduction Answering the question what is prayer? CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray OUTLINE I. When you pray A. Jesus sets an expectation for His people to pray B. Prayer is an important part of a relationship with Him i. Prayer is a conversation with God a. Simply talking to Him b. More important that you do it than what you say ii. Prayer is an encounter with God a. Spending time with Him II. Prayer is between you and the Lord A. Your focus should be on Him and not what others think i. You do not pray to be seen or heard by others B. God hears your prayers even the prayers of your heart III. Prayer is recognizing our need for Him A. Don t need to try to convince Him to help us with many words i. He knows what we need B. We pray to admit our need C. We pray to affirm that God can take care of our needs D. We pray to allow God to show us His power and love for us i. We expect Him to hear and answer IV. Jesus gives us a pattern for prayer A. Answers the disciples desire to learn how to pray B. Keeps our hearts and minds focused on the important parts of prayer 1

15 SUNDAY TEACHING Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? Why do we pray? What things keep you from praying? Small Group Discussion Questions In your own words, what is prayer? Why does Jesus call us to pray? What things keep you from praying? How should we pray? 1

16 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Introduction OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What is one job that you really wouldn t want to do? Why? READ LUKE 18:9-14 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What is prayer? How do you pray? Are there special words that you have to say? What did the tax collector pray? What did Jesus say about his prayer? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What was the prayer of the Pharisee? Have you ever thought that way about someone else? What was the Pharisee trying to do in his prayer? How do you try to earn God s favor in prayer? What do you learn about God in all of this? What did Jesus say about the tax collector s prayer? Why? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What does your daily prayer life look like? What gets in the way of you spending time each day praying? Who is someone you look down on in the way the Pharisee looked down on the tax collector? Why? Who are the people in your life that you just won t pray for? Why? Which prayer of the two in this passage do you pray most often? CLOSE IN PRAYER 1

17 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Introduction OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY Who is someone in your life that you should pray for every day? READ JAMES 5:13-18 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does it say we should do in suffering, joy and sickness? How would you pray if you were happy? Sad? Sick? What does it say about Elijah in this passage? Why should that encourage us? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What does it say about the prayer of faith? When you pray, do you pray with faith? Why or why not? What are some things that you are afraid are too big for God to handle so you don t pray about them? What does verse 16 say we should do? What does it mean to confess your sins to someone else? How are you like Elijah? Who are you both praying to? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH Who are the people in your life that you are truly praying for? Who are the people in your life that you know are truly praying for you? Who are the people you share your sin and struggles with? Why is that so important? Are the answers to your prayers dependent on the eloquence of your prayers or the goodness of God? CLOSE IN PRAYER 1

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19 2 Our Father Matthew 6:9a; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 7:7-11 The importance of seeing God as personal to us.

20 SUNDAY TEACHING Our Father The importance of seeing God as personal to us. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus begins by telling them how to address God OUTLINE I. God is Father A. Easy to believe He is impersonal because we can t see Him B. Means that He cares and takes care II. God is OUR Father A. Not just to Moses or Abraham or David B. We are His children i. Claims you and me as His children even now C. Our identity comes from Him i. We are now known as His children D. God gives us good gifts Matthew 7:7-11 i. He knows what we need ii. We can ask Him as our Father III. God is our Father now A. Not just in the future in heaven B. Today and every day IV. How should this change the way we pray A. We should go before Him with confidence in prayer i. Because we are His ii. Because He loves us iii. Because He gives us good gifts 2

21 SUNDAY TEACHING B. We should be encouraged to pray because He longs to hear from us i. Like a father loves to hear from his child ii. God reveals Himself as very personal to us C. We should trust Him when we pray because He wants the best for us Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? Why is it important that God is our Father? How should God being our Father affect the way we pray to Him? Small Group Discussion Questions What words would you use to describe God? What words would you use to describe your dad? What does it mean to you that God is our perfect Father? Because God is our Father, how should you pray to Him? 2

22 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Our Father OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What are your favorite nicknames for your father or grandfather? What would you like your kids or grandkids to call you? READ ROMANS 8:14-17 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What are those who are led by the Spirit of God called? What is adoption? What name does it say we cry out because we are His children? What does Abba mean? It means Daddy How is it different calling God Daddy instead of Father? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What does it mean that God adopted us as His children? What is something very cool about being adopted by God? What does it mean to be heirs? What are we heirs of as children of God? What name are we to use when talking to God? Why is that important? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What are ways that you live differently because you have been adopted by God? How does it impact your prayers that Jesus tells us to call God daddy? CLOSE IN PRAYER Remember that God is your heavenly Father and He longs just to hear from you. 2

23 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Our Father OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What is your most favorite gift that you have received? Why? READ MATTHEW 7:7-11 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What three commands are given in verse 7? What promises go with those commands? Do you trust your parents to give you the things that you need? What good gifts has God already given to you? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What are things you have been asking God for lately? What are ways you have been seeking God lately? What does it mean to knock when it comes to God? Think about what you expect will happen when you knock on someone s door and the same applies to us expectation If we trust our parents to take care of our needs, how much more should we expect God to do so? What good gifts has God already given to you? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? Are you better at asking, seeking or knocking when it comes to God? Which are you worst at? Why? Do you believe that God will give you good things if you ask Him? What are things you might have that you did not ask God for? CLOSE IN PRAYER Remember that God is your heavenly Father and He longs just to hear from you. 2

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25 3 In Heaven Matthew 6:9a; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 3:20 The importance of seeing God as not only personal, but powerful.

26 SUNDAY TEACHING In Heaven The importance of seeing God as not only personal, but powerful. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus first tells us that we should address God as our Father because He is personal Next Jesus reminds us that God is not only personal but powerful OUTLINE I. God is in heaven A. Might seem to be a bad thing B. Doesn t mean He has left or abandoned us C. Means He is on the throne in heaven right now, shows His power i. Ruling over all a. Psalm 47:7-9, 46:9 b. Still in control of all things c. King of the Earth ii. Cares for us- Matthew 10:26-31 a. Valuable to Him b. Knows everything about us even number of hairs on our head c. Knows even when a bird falls to the ground so is even more concerned with us iii. Still working for us- John 5:17 iv. Can do more than we ask or imagine- Ephesians 3:20 a. We often pray small things b. Same God who parted Red Sea hears our prayers v. Should give us confidence to pray II. Jesus is interceding for us- Romans 8:34 A. Sits beside the Father i. Prays for us ii. Speaks to the Father on our behalf 3

27 SUNDAY TEACHING III. Jesus is preparing a place for us- John 14:2 A. Individual place just for us in heaven B. Not only working for us now but for the future C. Shows that He will take us there IV. How should this change the way we pray A. We need to remember that God is all powerful i. Can sustain us and the whole universe ii. In control of all that happens B. We need to remember that God is watching over us i. Not only is He all powerful but He loves us Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? Why is it important that God is in heaven right now? How is God showing His power from heaven on a daily basis? Because God is personal and powerful how should that affect the way you pray to Him? Small Group Discussion Questions Where is God right now? How does it make you feel that He is in heaven? Why? How is God showing His power to us even from heaven? Why is it important that God is all powerful? What is Jesus doing in heaven right now for us? 3

28 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 In Heaven OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If you could be the king of the whole world for just one day, what would you do? READ PSALM 47:1-9 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does it tell us we should do at the beginning of the psalm? What does it call God in verse 2? Why is it important that God is king over the Earth? What does a king do? What are some of your favorite songs to sing to the Lord? Why? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What difference does it make that God is the great king over all the Earth? How do you see God in control over your life? How should we respond to God as king? How do you do that? What are some of your favorite songs to sing to the Lord? Why? What keeps you from praising God at school? At church? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What are ways that you are praising God with your words and life for all that He has done for you? What are some of your favorite songs to sing to the Lord? Why? What keeps you from praising God at school? At church? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray remembering that God is in heaven now and in charge of all things 3

29 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 In Heaven OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you? Why? READ PSALM 46:1-10 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does it call God in verse 1? What does that mean? What are we told not to do in verse 2? What are some things that scare you? How does it make you feel that God is bigger than that? What does it mean to Be still and know that I am God? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH How has God been your refuge and strength lately? What are some things that you are afraid of? How does it make you feel to remember that God is stronger than your fears? Where does God say He is? What things in the world make you doubt God s power or goodness? Why? How can you be still and trust God more? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What difference does it make that God is constantly with us? Why is it significant that God calls Himself the God of Jacob? Why would Jacob be an unlikely choice for God to claim? Why is it so hard to just be still and trust God? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray remembering that God is in heaven now and in charge of all things 3

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31 4 Hallowed Be Your Name Matthew 6:9a; Exodus 3:1-15; Exodus 20:7 We are to show respect for and worship God s Name in prayer.

32 SUNDAY TEACHING Hallowed Be Your Name We are to show respect for and worship God s Name in prayer. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus first tells us that we should address God as our Father because He is personal Next Jesus reminds us that God is not only personal but powerful Jesus then instructs us on how we should approach God in prayer in using His Name He also reminds us that prayer is an act of worship OUTLINE I. God gives us His Name so we can know Him Exodus 3:1-15 A. He is I AM i. Shows us that He is a personal God ii. Shows that He is a constant presence in our daily lives B. Name by which we can call Him and know Him II. How we use God s Name is an act of worship A. God s presence is where His name is i. Was in the temple 1 Kings 8:29 III. God s Name is to be honored A. Hallowed to hold in reverence i. To give it the respect it is due ii. To treat it as special and holy iii. In OT, they had such respect for God s name that they wouldn t say it or write it completely B. We need to use God s name carefully and purposefully i. God s Name is holy as He is holy- Psalm 103:1 ii. Shows our humility in approaching God C. We use Jesus Name in prayer- John 14:13-13, John 16:23-24 i. To show that it is His power and not ours at work ii. Pray with Jesus authority a. Praying as He would 4

33 SUNDAY TEACHING IV. How should this change the way we pray? A. Our prayers need to not only just be about ourselves i. Prayer is worship so we need to honor God in our prayers a. Adore Him for who HE is b. Thank Him for what He has done B. We need to seek out God s will in our prayers i. Need to pray for His will over our will Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? What did you learn about God s Name this morning? What does hallowed mean? How should we use God s name in prayer? Small Group Discussion Questions Why is it important that God makes His Name known to us? How does He do that? Why is it important to show respect for God s Name? What are ways that we can do that? How are we to use God s Name in prayer? 4

34 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Hallowed Be Your Name OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY Who is a famous person you would love to have over for dinner? Why them? How would you treat them? READ PSALM 67:1-7 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does it mean for God to bless us and make His face shine upon us? What are we supposed to do in response to all the ways God has blessed you? What are some songs you like to sing to praise God? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What do you think hallowed means? What are some ways that we show honor to God in this passage? What are ways that you praise God? What are ways that you make God known to those around you? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What do you think hallowed means? What are ways that you can make God known more at your school? Is that easy or hard to do? Why? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray that God s name would be glorified in your words and actions today. 4

35 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Hallowed Be Your Name OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If you could only sing one song forever what would it be? Why? READ PSALM 100:1-5 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What are we told to do in verse 1? What are some ways that you can make joyful noises for the Lord? What are ways that the Lord is good? How are you supposed to enter God s gates? How often do you go to church on Sunday with gladness? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH How are we supposed to serve the Lord? What are some specific ways that you can serve the Lord? What difference does it make that God made us when it comes to praising and serving Him? What does it mean that God s love is steadfast? Why is it good that His love endures forever? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What are ways that you are living out a life of praise to God? What are specific ways that you are serving God? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray that God s name would be glorified in your words and actions today. 4

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37 5 Your Kingdom Come Matthew 6:10; Revelation 21:1-8; The importance that God places on us understanding His Kingdom.

38 SUNDAY TEACHING Your Kingdom Come The importance that God places on us understanding His Kingdom. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus reminds us that God is personal (Our Father) and powerful (Who is in heaven) Jesus then instructs us on how we should approach God in prayer in using His Name and that prayer is an act of worship Jesus then begins to give us what we should pray We should first pray for God s Kingdom and God s will before we pray for ourselves The first thing we are to pray for is the coming of God s Kingdom OUTLINE I. God s goal was to bring in His Kingdom A. To spread His glorious Kingdom to the ends of the Earth II. Jesus is living example of God s Kingdom A. Was His central message B. His Kingdom instead of our kingdom III. What should we pray? A. Pray that people will be brought into the Kingdom people will come to know Jesus because of what He has done for them i. Go from darkness to light ii. Repentance is key to entering the Kingdom a. Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near b. Need to cleanse our life of that which keeps us from embracing His kingdom B. Pray that we will live obediently i. Our lives also reflect God and His Kingdom ii. Can be a witness for Him IV. What will the Kingdom look like? A. Jesus will bring God s Kingdom when He returns 5

39 SUNDAY TEACHING B. His Kingdom will never end C. God will now dwell directly with His people i. Live in their midst D. There will be no more mourning or crying, pain or death, suffering or sin E. All things will be made right and new i. Restore things as they were before sin ii. We will no longer struggle to do what is right F. God will give the world its light i. No more darkness, for His Glory will shine for us all to see G. There will never again be evil V. How should this change the way we pray A. We should pray for our world to change to be more like how God designed it to be i. Place of peace and love ii. Place that honors God B. We should confess when we are more interested in building our own little kingdom instead of helping God s Kingdom to come i. As ambassadors of God, we show the world what He is like and what His kingdom is like C. We should long for and pray for Jesus return-- Revelation 22:20 i. We should be thankful for gift of heaven and have desire to get there Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? What did you learn about God s coming Kingdom? When you think about heaven what gets you most excited? Why should we want God s Kingdom to come to Earth? How should we pray about God s Kingdom? Small Group Discussion Questions What did you learn this morning about God s Kingdom? Why should we want God s Kingdom to come to Earth? How should we pray about God s Kingdom? How can you bring God s Kingdom to your school? Team? Friends? Neighbors? When you think about heaven what gets you most excited? 5

40 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Your Kingdom Come OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If you could change three things about your school or job what would they be? Why? READ PSALM 72:1-20 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What do you think of when you think about a king? What are some things that a king does? What does it say that the king does in verses 12-14? What does it say about God in verses 18-19? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH In this passage what are some things that the king should do? What does it mean to defend the cause of the poor? As you look through this psalm, what are some things that you could do? What would it look like for the whole Earth to be filled with His glory? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? How would you describe God s Kingdom? What is our role in God s Kingdom here on Earth? What has He called us to do? What would it look like for the whole Earth to be filled with His glory? CLOSE IN PRAYER Spend time praying for God s Kingdom to come to Earth and that He would use us to do it. 5

41 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Your Kingdom Come OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What is your most treasured possession? Why? READ MATTHEW 13:44-50 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What is the first picture of the Kingdom that is mentioned here? What does the man do with his treasure? What is the second picture of God s Kingdom? How important should God s Kingdom be to us? What does the man do to get the pearl? When we say Your Kingdom come what are we really saying? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH How are we like the field in the first parable? How should we be like the man in the first parable? How are we like the pearl in the second parable? How should we be like the man in the second parable? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What does the third parable tell us about God s Kingdom? Who are you in that parable? What do they say our attitude should be about God s Kingdom? How important would you say that God s Kingdom is to you? CLOSE IN PRAYER Spend time praying for God s Kingdom to come to Earth and that He would use us to do it. 5

42 NOTES 5

43 6 Your Will Be Done Matthew 6:10b; Matthew 26:36-46 The importance of putting God in His rightful place in our prayers.

44 SUNDAY TEACHING Your Will Be Done The importance of putting God in His rightful place in our prayers. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus reminds us that God is personal (Our Father) and powerful (Who is in heaven) Jesus then instructs us on how we should approach God in prayer in using His Name and that prayer is an act of worship Jesus then begins to give us what we should pray We should first pray for God s Kingdom and God s will before we pray for ourselves The first thing we are to pray for is the coming of God s Kingdom The next thing we are to pray for is for God s will to be done OUTLINE I. Jesus came to do the will of the Father A. My food is to do the will of the Father- John 4:34 B. Did what the Father did- John 5:19 C. Even when it would be very difficult Matthew 26:36-46 i. Prayed for God s will over His will II. Calls us to do the same A. We do God s will through obedience to Him B. Should delight in obedience i. Psalms 119:27, 30, 32, 33, 47, 54, 93, 97, 127 ii. Love and delight in the law of God C. Our lives show God to others III. We often struggle to want our will to be done and not God s will A. We think that we know what is best for our lives B. Have a hard time trusting God s plan for our lives IV. How should this change the way we pray? A. That we will seek to know God s will in prayer i. James 4: Lord willing 6

45 SUNDAY TEACHING a. Need to understand our place and His; He knows and does what is best ii. Romans 12:2 a. His will is good, pleasing and perfect b. Need transformed mind to understand it B. That we will ask for strength to trust God s perfect plan and will obey it i. Shardrach, Meshach and Abednego - Daniel 3:17-18 a. God will rescue us but even if He doesn t we will not bow down ii. God has a plan for each of us and it is for our good a. Romans 8:28 He works for good for His people b. Jeremiah 29:11 He works for our good and not for evil, to give us a hope and a future C. That we will choose His will over our will i. We will confess those places where we want our own way ii. We will ask God to help us trust and obey His will a. Matthew 26:39 Jesus prayer in the Garden; Not my will but your will be done D. That we will have courage to stand up under trouble a. John 17:15 Jesus prayer for us. Not praying to be saved from trouble but to stand up under it Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? What did you learn about prayer? How do we live out God s will? What do you know about God s plan for your life? What are ways you can show you are trusting God s plan for your life? Small Group Discussion Questions What did you learn about God s will this morning? Why is it sometimes hard to trust God s plan? How did Jesus show He was trusting in God s will for Him? How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego show they were trusting God s will for them? How can you show that you are trusting God s plan for your life? 6

46 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Your Will Be Done OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If you could guarantee one thing about your future what would it be? Why? READ GENESIS 37:1-36 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does Jesus call Himself here? What does it mean that Jesus is the Bread of Life? Why did Jesus come down to Earth? verse 38 What does it say that God s will is? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH How should we treat Jesus as the Bread of Life? What do you do with bread? What promise does Jesus make to us as Bread of Life? If Jesus came to do God s will and not His own, what should that mean for us? What does it say that God s will is? What does that mean for you? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? What does Jesus say about those who come to Him in verse 37? Why is that comforting? When is a time you have felt cast out by God? What are some specific ways that you are seeking your will and not His? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray for God s will to be done in your lives and life of family and that you will know His will. 6

47 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Your Will Be Done OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What is your favorite miracle that God did in the Bible? Why? READ EPHESIANS 3:14-21 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What is Paul doing here? What does it say about God here? How much does God love you? Is there any way to measure it? What does it say that God can do in verse 20? What does that mean to you? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH Where should Christ dwell? verse 17 What does it mean to be rooted and grounded? What are we supposed to be rooted and grounded in? What does it say that God can do in verse 20? What does that mean to you? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? If you had to describe God s love to someone who doesn t know Him what would you say? What is something you have been afraid to ask God because it feels too big for Him? What does it say that God can do in verse 20? What does that mean to you? CLOSE IN PRAYER Pray for God s will to be done in your lives and life of family and that you will know His will. 6

48 NOTES 6

49 7 Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread Matthew 6:11; Matthew 6:25-34; Exodus 16 Focusing our prayers on our needs instead of wants and trusting God s daily provision.

50 SUNDAY TEACHING Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread Focusing our prayers on our needs instead of wants and trusting God s daily provision. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus reminds us that God is personal (Our Father) and powerful (Who is in heaven) Jesus then instructs us on how we should approach God in prayer in using His Name and that prayer is an act of worship Jesus then begins to give us what we should pray We should first pray for God s Kingdom and God s will before we pray for ourselves When we do pray for ourselves we need to pray for our needs and not wants OUTLINE I. Give A. We need God s help and provision i. We don t pray allow me to do it myself but ask for Him to give to us ii. Humbling to ask for help and we don t usually like to B. We can t take care of our deepest needs only God can II. Us A. He doesn t tell us to say give me this day my daily bread B. Not just out for ourselves but part of community i. Called to take care of others a. Early church shared all that they had - Acts 4:32-35 b. Called to pray for each other - James 5:16 III. This day A. We ask for what we need daily i. Manna in wilderness Exodus 16 a. Had to be collected daily b. Couldn t be gathered and kept for later c. Made them trust that God would provide each day d. Couldn t do it without Him B. Trusting God s ultimate provision. He is only one who can provide what we really need 7

51 SUNDAY TEACHING IV. Our daily bread A. Asking for the simple needs i. What are things we really NEED ii. How do we distinguish these from what we want? B. God knows all we need as our good Father i. He desires to give us good gifts that we need ii. He also knows those things that would not be good for us and withholds them for our good C. God provides for His creation Matthew 6:25-34 i. Gives lilies and ravens what they need - how much more will He take care of us? ii. Shows we can trust Him D. Not asking for selfish wants but daily needs i. God is not a genie to grant our wishes ii. He answers prayer so that we will know Him, trust Him and love Him more iii. He often says no to reveal His will to us V. How should this change the way we pray? A. We should not pray so selfishly i. Pray for good of others as well as ourselves ii. Pray for our NEEDS and not our wants B. We should pray trusting in God s provision i. Remembering how He has taken care of us in the past, not trying to do it all for ourselves C. We should pray DAILY Follow-Up Questions for Parents What do you remember from the lesson this morning? How does God take care of His creation? How has God taken care of you? What does it mean to pray for daily bread? What things get in the way most from you praying daily? Who are people in your life that you should be praying for? Small Group Discussion Questions Who are people in your life besides yourself that you should be praying for daily? What are the things you NEED from the Lord? What things do you regularly pray for that you know are wants? What are some ways that you have seen God provide for you? 7

52 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 1 Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY If God rained down one food each day for you to eat, what would you want it to be? READ EXODUS 16:1-36 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What was the people s biggest problem? How did they handle it? What does it mean to grumble? What do you grumble about most? How did God provide for their need? What happened at the end of every day? Why? What happened to the manna when they disobeyed? Why did God only give them a day s worth? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH How did the people treat God in this passage? Do you ever treat Him that way? Do you ever treat your parents that way? How does God make sure they are trusting Him every day and not in themselves? How long did God provide for them? How long will He provide for you? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? How can you relate to the way the Israelites were acting in the desert? What are the things you complain about the most in your life? Why? What are ways that you are trusting God each day right now? CLOSE IN PRAYER Thank God for the way He provides every day for you and allows you another day of life. 7

53 FAMILY DEVOTION. DAY 2 Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread OPEN IN PRAYER OPENING QUESTION/ACTIVITY What is something that you really want right now that you don t or can t have? How does it make you feel? READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:6-8 QUESTIONS FOR JK-3RD What does it say is great gain? What does contentment mean? What is the difference between a need and a want? What did we bring with us into the world? What will we take with us when we die? QUESTIONS FOR 4TH-8TH What are some places in your life where you are not content with what God is doing? Why? What things do you think you need to make your life the best it can be? In your life, is there anything you NEED that you don t have right now? What did we bring with us into the world? What will we take with us when we die? QUESTIONS FOR 9TH-12TH What sticks out to you from this passage? Why? Why is it so hard to be content in this world? What things make you the most discontent with your life? With the Lord? Knowing that everything we accumulate is of no value when we are dead, why is it so tempting to try and get it all? CLOSE IN PRAYER Thank God for the way He provides every day for you and allows you another day of life. 7

54 NOTES 7

55 8 Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Have Forgiven Our Debtors Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:21-35 Realizing that we are sinners who need forgiveness from God, and are also called to forgive others.

56 SUNDAY TEACHING Forgive, As We Have Been Forgiven Realizing that we are sinners who need forgiveness from God, and are also called to forgive others. CONTEXT Jesus is teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God Jesus specifically wants them to understand the importance of prayer Jesus tells them how they should pray Jesus reminds us that God is personal (Our Father) and powerful (Who is in heaven) Jesus then instructs us on how we should approach God in prayer in using His Name and that prayer is an act of worship Jesus then begins to give us what we should pray We should first pray for God s Kingdom and God s will before we pray for ourselves When we do pray for ourselves we need to pray for our needs and not wants We need to pray not only for our physical needs but spiritual ones OUTLINE I. Sin creates debts for us to pay A. Debt to God for what we haven t done B. Debt towards others for what we have done in evil II. Need to confess our sins A. Asking for forgiveness is confession i. Acknowledge that we have sin ii. Acknowledge that God alone can take it away III. We are called to forgive in the same way God has forgiven us Matthew 18:21-35 A. We want to be forgiven but don t want to forgive others B. Need to see the weight of our sin against the small slights against us i. Easy to see our sin as small and others sins against us as big ii. Our debt is way bigger than we can imagine 8